There is no actual quote from Scripture in which James is referring to. Therefore, it must mean the whole context of Scripture or the Logos & not any specific Rhema. For this reason, in context to verses 1-4, I would interpret the verse as such: [b]James 4:5[/b] [color=990000]Or do you think that the[/color] (full context of) [color=990000]Scripture speaks without a good reason[/color] (concerning verse 1-4)[color=990000], that the spirit[/color] (of the world)[color=990000], which dwells in us[/color] (as the human race)[color=990000], tends toward envy, jealousy, spite, ill will, covetousness.[/color]If you look at the Greek word for "envy" (which the spirit yearns toward), the Holy spirit would never do that. Through out the new Testament, that word "envy" is never used as a good thing. However, the people whom James was writing to were acting in the way "phthonos" (Greek = envy) is defined as, so it must be the "spirit" of the world, of which is described in verses 1-4. [color=990000]However, God gives greater grace to the humble, but He resists the proud. Therefore, submit yourselves to God & Resist the devil[/color] (stop doing what youre doing) [color=990000]Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners...[/color] [b]James 4:6-7[/b]Any comments?
Genesis 6:5 is a pretty interesting parallel of James 4:5 - when taken in context. It could have been what James had in mind (in theory, at least) when he wrote this section of his epistle.Matthew Henry seems to think so, anyhow :)
_________________Paul Frederick West
I disagree with your interpretation of James 4:5. Paul writes of this same precept in Gal. 5.....Gal 5:15 But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!Gal 5:16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.Gal 5:17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.The Spirit according to what Paul wrote does indeed lust against the flesh. In both of these sections of Scripture, both men begin by pointing out similar behaviors being exhibited by the church.Jam 4:1 Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?Jam 4:2 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet [fn] you do not have because you do not ask.And...Gal 5:15 But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!In the OT we are continually reminded of how God loved His people. We are continually reminded of how God chastens those who are His....Here is just one example of God speaking of His children..Hsa 11:1 "When Israel was a child, I loved him, And out of Egypt I called My son.Hsa 11:2 [As] they called them, [fn] So they went from them; [fn] They sacrificed to the Baals, And burned incense to carved images.Hsa 11:3 "I taught Ephraim to walk, Taking them by their arms; [fn] But they did not know that I healed them.Hsa 11:4 I drew them with gentle cords, [fn] With bands of love, And I was to them as those who take the yoke from their neck. [fn] I stooped [and] fed them.Hsa 11:5 "He shall not return to the land of Egypt; But the Assyrian shall be his king, Because they refused to repent.Hsa 11:6 And the sword shall slash in his cities, Devour his districts, And consume [them], Because of their own counsels.Hsa 11:7 My people are bent on backsliding from Me. Though they call to the Most High, [fn] None at all exalt [Him].Hsa 11:8 "How can I give you up, Ephraim? [How] can I hand you over, Israel? How can I make you like Admah? [How] can I set you like Zeboiim? My heart churns within Me; My sympathy is stirred.And by what means does God act upon men...is it not by the power of His Holy Spirit...In ChristJeff
_________________Jeff Marshalek
